Drivers can still sign up for Roseville cruise

Organizers of Sunday’s first-ever Gratiot Cruise in Roseville say they will accept registrations right up to the last minute for the inaugural event.

So far, about 75 classic car lovers have signed up to take part but there is room for many more. There are registration opportunities available today, Saturday and cruise day.

“We’re going to let people register right up until the cruise starts,” said Heather Schmuckel, a spokeswoman for the Roseville Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit group planning the cruise.

Schmuckel, who also serves as business development director for the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, said registration will be extended since the cruise came about on relatively short notice. The first 300 registered participants will receive a goodie bag carrying a T-shirt, dash plaque, window cling and other items. The goodie bag is valued at $150.

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Drivers can register at a VIP Launch Party that starts at 6 p.m. today at Grady’s Lounge, 25280 Gratiot Avenue; at Continental Lanes, 31055 Gratiot today (5 p.m.-dusk) and Saturday (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) during the car shows; Grady’s car show 1-6 p.m. Saturday; and starting at 8:30 a.m. on cruise day at Continental Lanes, the cruise headquarters.

The cruise will run noon-6 p.m. Sunday on Gratiot between 11 Mile and 13 Mile roads.

Police Chief James Berlin said all 70 officers in the department will be on duty for the cruise, which is expected to draw about 30,000 people.

Cruisegoers are invited to watch the vintage vehicle procession from either side of Gratiot, but the median is off-limits, according to Berlin.

“The weather forecast is calling for a beautiful day, so we’re expecting everyone will enjoy themselves and it will be a good show,” Berlin said.

The left lane on both sides of Gratiot will be reserved for registered cruise vehicles. Some roads along the route will be closed including Martin and Utica from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

All municipal costs associated with the event are being paid for by the Heritage Foundation. The group has placed $25,000 in escrow for the city to draw on, said City Manager Scott Adkins. “The committee has been a very good partner to work with,” he said.

A number of the avenue’s bars, restaurants and shops will host parties with food and entertainment during the cruise.

Local artist Edward Stross will hold an event to raise funds to repaint an image of Elysia Pefley on the back of Gonzo Fine Arts Studio located at the intersection of Utica Road and Gratiot. Elysia was an 11-year-old girl who passed away from bone cancer in 1996 in St. Clair County. Stross painted her image as an angel with “Red Wings” because she had become friends with former Red Wings star Steve Yzerman.

Funds raised on Sunday will help preserve her image with enamel paint. Elysia’s uncle, DJ Rockin’ Rick Pefley will entertain during the day.

For more information on the cruise, visit www.rosevillegratiotcruise.com.